How would I fix a car that wasn't started for 13 years

Hello,

My grandpa has a bunch of cars that he doesn't feel like fixing in his backyard. I found a 1987 Jaguar XJ6 back there. According to the inspection sticker, it expired in 2003. I wasn't even born in 2003 yet. So, how would I fix it? Here's what I think it would need, and please correct me if I'm wrong.

-battery

-fuel (have to siphon out old gas)

-and a really good washing.

Would it need more than this? Also, how would I go taking it apart?

P.S. This is my first time fixing a car, so please explain it slowly lol

5 Answers

Inspect all cables for degradation of jackets, connectors, etc. If it's been in the backyard for more than a decade, the cable jacket may literally come apart when you touch it.

Same is true for all rubber gaskets, tubes, belts, tires.

Drain the transmission fluid, engine oil and coolant and get new fluids.

Some springs may be permanently bent due to being compressed for more than a decade.

The cylinders and pistons may be rusty. A complete rebuild is required and usually only an experienced mechanic with professional tools can do this properly.

Basically you need to tear the car apart and refurbish everything, replace anything that cannot be rebuilt/refurbished. Also check for corrosion on the body. It is not impossible that some frames have rusted all the way through. Expect dead/living animals in the car body and all tubes. Rats may have bitten through all non-metal tubes.

This can easily cost more than the car's worth, however if you want to do this as a hobby project you can try.

I was going to just get it to start, that was my only goal lol. Also my grandpas dog also sniffs under that car whenever he's near it and my grandpa said that something is living in it. So, what do you think that it would be to fix it, as cheap as possible? With rebuilding everything as possible?

Well you can find some car repair videos on YouTube to have a basic idea on what you are trying to do. "Eric the car guy" is a good start. I do believe this project is considered very difficult even for professionals so maybe you can start on some other smaller stuff.

Gigabit, Just a thought! Does your school have auto shop class, if it does or you will be entering school soon that will offer this, consider saving the car as a project for you and your buddies. Some trade schools will also use persons/private vehicles for training of there students/apprentices, with no cost diagnosing and will go over necessary repairs with the owner in detail(normally no cost until parts needed which you do not have to do) since you may want to replace yourself. Libraries can also be a good source for some repair manuals for auto's. Good luck.

mayer, I did try search for free manual, (always ran into a glitch, when trying to get it for free), libraries are free and some are well equipped. I and I am sure Gigabit would appreciate oldturkey, yourself, or anyone else that could post a link for a good free 1987 Jaguar XJ6 repair manual. Thanks in advance.

@lpfaff1@gigabit87898@mayer@repairpug@kaykay okay people, looks like we got the Jag issue resolved. Now there is a bigger one at hand. we are currently experiencing some clandestine spam attack. There is at least one person that habitually leaves racist, homophobic, lewd and degrading comments and answers. He appears to have multiple usernames and is currently beating the little grasshopper over on meta. @gigabit87898 17 downvotes on one day must be some sort of record. Looks like you really got'em mad. Please mark any of those answers as spam. When you mark them the mods can see them in "Moderation" and eliminate the spam immediately. Lets keep this forum clean of spam and keep the riff-raff. Let the ifixit people like @kaykay fix the mess with all the downloads and answers like the ones from @repairpug being marked as spam (-700 in a bit over 24hours not bad:-)

@gigabit87898@lpfaff1@mayer@repairpug looks like @kaykay got it taken care off. Right now there are still issues with the reputation points but I have faith in the fabulous ifixit team. I am certain that both @gigabit87898 and @repairpug will get their points restored. Great job in keeping your eyes open and letting the mods know. Anytime anything weird shows up, feel free to mark it so it shows in Moderation. That way we can continue to intervene early and keep our ifixit house clean and spam free. Thanks everybody. Great weekend, great team.

What a find! But if I remember correctly you're in the 7th grade. This would probably be your first car. Most first cars do not last long as your are just learning to drive. This car is a classic and you might want to save it for your second car and plan on taking this one to college. https://classiccars.com/listings/find/19...

I would explain this to grand dad and ask if he has a car more fit for a first car and not as expensive to repair and find parts for. Preferably one that you can get parts for at your local auto zone. Maybe a cheaper Ford or Chevy that can take the inevitable dings that you will get while learning.

As you are probably aware I do have a lot of respect for you and the work you are doing here. You are a thoughtful intelligent young man, mature beyond your years. But this is not a good beginners project. I don't know where you live, but if in the USA, finding parts and knowledgable mechanics could be very difficult. I would save it for my second project. My grandfather also gave me my first couple of cars. Thankfully they were built like tanks.

Thank you, I do live in the USA, and usually if I need help for anything engine or mechanical related I ask my grandpa, lol. I think he qualifies as a mechanic, he's been fixing things for over 40 years.

@repairpug That's why iFixit have selected three (that I am aware of) moderators. We're on the site a lot and can delete those nasties. But then to get then banned, we post links to them on the Meta site and the administration decides what do do with them. So post there or add your links to an existing Banhammer post.

I understand mayer, I will need to get my reputation up on meta, not a biggie, but thanks for informing me on where to post. my pugs will handle everything (hehe) Atleast there are administrators that can try to permanently rid of the rats.

@gigabit87898 I think this is a great opportunity. I'd give it a go. Start by draining all the fluids and replacing all fluids and filters. This includes the radiator fluid. After that, pull the plugs and see if the engine will crank over. You do not want to start it yet. Just have it crank over to see if it does so. Once it does and builds up some oil pressure you can think about replacing the plugs and seeing if it fires. Expect lots of smoke.....Right now just invest minimal. Filters fluids and a new battery for sure. After that talk to your grandpa and see what he thinks. One piece at a time. Jags that series have had some rust issues. Check on that for sure. Also. remember that you must consider the brakes as non-functioning so do not think about driving of somewhere. :-)

@gigabit87898 that'll be a depend. Depends what shape it was when it got parked. If it was running well, costs for all fluids, filters etc. might run you you a bit more than $100 but less than $1000. I'd invest the minimum just to determine what shape it is in.

If it wasn't running well, that cost could sky rocket. You may not know yet but a 350 Chevy engine was a popular transplant to those Jag's. Your Grandpa may know more about that.

First class question and I understand that it is very common to the American market which seems to suffer greatly from not be able to get a vehicle started.

The most used way to get a vehicle to start is to greet it each morning with a snarl, and scream "Startyabastard", then turn the engine over. I am given to understand that this intimate verbal contact has a soothing effect on the reluctant vehicle, and usually it responds in a satisfactory manner.

I sincerely hope that this long tried method works for you, and that your motoring gives you great pleasure.

Resources

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Speak out for your right to repair.

New York,

New Yorkers stand up for what they believe in. And we're asking you to
stand up for repair.

This year, New York could be the first state in the nation to pass the Fair Repair Act,
A8192 and
S618.
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equipment—like smartphones, computers, and even farm equipment. We have a
chance to protect local repair jobs—the corner mom-and-pop repair shops that
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It’s not going to be easy. Manufacturers are standing in the
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So far, they’ve managed to stop Fair Repair legislation before your
representatives get a chance to vote on it. We’ve got to be louder than their
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The Fair Repair Act, known as
A8192 and
S618,
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security updates, and replacement parts. Tell your state representative to
support S618. Tell them you believe repair should be fair, affordable, and
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It's time to speak out for your right to repair.

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The people of Massachusetts have always stood up for their
right to repair. In 2012, voters passed a law that ensured
residents' right to repair their car wherever they wanted.
Now, it's time to do the same for electronics and other equipment.

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H.143
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This year, the people of Nebraska have a chance to guarantee
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It’s yours. You own it. You shouldn’t have to beg the manufacturer
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But manufacturers don’t like that idea. When
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corner mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed out. Find
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the bipartisan Fair Repair Act, LB 67. Tell them that you believe repair
should be fair, affordable, and accessible. Stand up for the right to repair
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It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Dear Minnesotans,

Minnesota has a chance to become the first state in the nation to pass
"Fair Repair" legislation. SF 15, or the Fair Repair bill, guarantees our
right to repair digital equipment like computers, refrigerators, cell phones
and tractors. It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent
repair shops with access to repair information and replacement parts—so you
have the resources you need to fix things quickly and affordably.

But we need your help. Manufacturers don’t want a Fair Repair bill. When
your tractor breaks or your cell phone stops working, they want to be the
only people who can fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want.

Find out who represents you in Minnesota's legislatures. Tell them that
you want the right to repair your purchases. Tell them you support a
bipartisan Fair Repair bill, SF 15. Tell them repair is good for the
environment, good for consumers, and good for businesses.

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Dear Kansans,

Kansas has a chance to become the first state in the nation to pass
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right to repair digital equipment like computers, refrigerators, cell phones
and tractors. It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent
repair shops with access to repair information and replacement parts—so you
have the resources you need to fix things quickly and affordably.

But we need your help. Manufacturers don’t want a Fair Repair bill. When
your tractor breaks or your cell phone stops working, they want to be the
only people who can fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want.

Find out who represents you in Kansas' legislature. Tell them that
you want the right to repair your purchases. Tell them you support a
bipartisan bill. Tell them repair is good for farmers, good for consumers, and good for businesses.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Dear Wyomingites,

Wyoming has a chance to become the first state in the nation to pass
"Fair Repair" legislation. HB 199, or the Fair Repair Act, guarantees our
right to repair digital equipment like computers, refrigerators, cell phones
and tractors. It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent
repair shops with access to repair information and replacement parts—so you
have the resources you need to fix things quickly and affordably.

But we need your help. Manufacturers don’t want a Fair Repair bill. When
your tractor breaks or your cell phone stops working, they want to be the
only people who can fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want.

Find out who represents you in Wyoming's legislature. Tell them that
you want the right to repair your purchases. Tell them you support a
bipartisan bill. Tell them repair is good for farmers, good for consumers, and good for businesses.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Dear Washingtonians,

Washington has a chance to become the first state in the nation to pass
"Fair Repair" legislation. The Fair Repair Act guarantees our
right to repair digital equipment like computers, refrigerators, cell phones
and tractors. It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent
repair shops with access to repair information and replacement parts—so you
have the resources you need to fix things quickly and affordably.

But we need your help. Manufacturers don’t want a Fair Repair bill. When
your tractor breaks or your cell phone stops working, they want to be the
only people who can fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want.

Find out who represents you in Washington's legislature. Tell them that
you want the right to repair your purchases. Tell them you support a
bipartisan bill. Tell them repair is good for farmers, good for consumers, and good for businesses.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Tennessee,

This year, the people of Tennessee have a chance to guarantee their
right to repair their equipment—like tractors, farm equipment, digital
equipment, and even cell phones.

It's yours. You own it. You shouldn't have to beg the manufacturer
for permission to fix it when it breaks. The Fair Repair Act is simple.
It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent repair
businesses with fair access to service information and affordable replacement
parts. So you can fix the stuff you own quickly—and get on with your life.

But manufacturers don't like that idea. When your tractor breaks or
your cell phone stops working, they want to be the only people who can
fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want for parts and
service.

It's time to fight for your right to repair and defend local repair
jobs—the corner mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed out.
Find out who represents you in the Tennessee General Assembly. Tell
them you support the Fair Repair Act, SB 888 in the Senate
and HB 1382 in the
House. Tell them that you believe repair should be fair, affordable, and
accessible. Stand up for the right to repair in Tennessee.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Illinois,

This year, the people of Illinois have a chance to guarantee their
right to repair their equipment—like tractors, farm equipment, digital
equipment, and even cell phones.

It's yours. You own it. You shouldn't have to beg the manufacturer
for permission to fix it when it breaks. The Digital Fair Repair Act is simple.
It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent repair
businesses with fair access to service information and affordable replacement
parts. So you can fix the stuff you own quickly—and get on with your life.

But manufacturers don't like that idea. When your tractor breaks or
your cell phone stops working, they want to be the only people who can
fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want for parts and
service.

It's time to fight for your right to repair and defend local repair
jobs—the corner mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed
out. Find out who represents you in the Illinois General Assembly. Tell
them you support the Digital Fair Repair Act, HB3030.
Tell them that you believe repair should be fair, affordable, and
accessible. Stand up for the right to repair in Illinois.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Iowa,

This year, the people of Iowa have a chance to guarantee their
right to repair their equipment—like tractors, farm equipment, digital
equipment, and even cell phones.

It's yours. You own it. You shouldn't have to beg the manufacturer
for permission to fix it when it breaks. Iowa's Right to Repair Act, HF556, is simple.
It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent repair
businesses with fair access to service information and affordable replacement
parts. So you can fix the stuff you own quickly—and get on with your life.

But manufacturers like John Deere and Apple don't like that idea. When your tractor breaks or
your cell phone stops working, they want to be the only people who can
fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want for parts and
service.

It's time to fight for your right to repair and defend local repair
jobs—the corner mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed
out. Find out who represents you in the Iowa legislature. Tell
them you support the Right to Repair Act, HF556.
Tell them that you believe repair should be fair, affordable, and
accessible. Stand up for the right to repair in Iowa.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

North Carolina,

This year, the people of North Carolina have a chance to guarantee their
right to repair their equipment—like tractors, farm equipment, digital
equipment, and even cell phones.

It's yours. You own it. You shouldn't have to beg the manufacturer
for permission to fix it when it breaks. North Carolina's Fair Repair Act, H. 663, is simple.
It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent repair
businesses with fair access to service information and affordable replacement
parts. So you can fix the stuff you own quickly—and get on with your life.

But manufacturers like John Deere and Apple don't like that idea. When your tractor breaks or
your cell phone stops working, they want to be the only people who can
fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want for parts and
service.

It's time to fight for your right to repair and defend local repair
jobs—the corner mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed
out. Find out who represents you in the North Carolina legislature. Tell
them you support the Fair Repair Act, H. 663.
Tell them that you believe repair should be fair, affordable, and
accessible. Stand up for the right to repair in North Carolina.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Missouri,

This year, the people of Missouri have a chance to guarantee their
right to repair their equipment—like tractors, farm equipment, digital
equipment, and even cell phones.

It's yours. You own it. You shouldn't have to beg the manufacturer
for permission to fix it when it breaks. Missouri's Fair Repair Act, HB1178, is simple.
It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent repair
businesses with fair access to service information and affordable replacement
parts. So you can fix the stuff you own quickly—and get on with your life.

But manufacturers like John Deere and Apple don't like that idea. When your tractor breaks or
your cell phone stops working, they want to be the only people who can
fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want for parts and
service.

It's time to fight for your right to repair and defend local repair
jobs—the corner mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed
out. Find out who represents you in the Missouri legislature. Tell
them you support the Fair Repair Act, HB1178.
Tell them that you believe repair should be fair, affordable, and
accessible. Stand up for the right to repair in Missouri.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

New Hampshire,

This year, the people of New Hampshire have a chance to guarantee their
right to repair their equipment—like tractors, farm equipment, digital
equipment, and even cell phones.

It's yours. You own it. You shouldn't have to beg the manufacturer
for permission to fix it when it breaks. New Hampshire's upcoming Right to Repair Act is simple.
It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent repair
businesses with fair access to service information and affordable replacement
parts. So you can fix the stuff you own quickly—and get on with your life.

But manufacturers like John Deere and Apple don't like that idea. When your tractor breaks or
your cell phone stops working, they want to be the only people who can
fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want for parts and
service.

It's time to fight for your right to repair and defend local repair
jobs—the corner mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed
out. Find out who represents you in the New Hampshire legislature. Tell
them you support the Right to Repair Act.
Tell them that you believe repair should be fair, affordable, and
accessible. Stand up for the right to repair in New Hampshire.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

New Jersey,

This year, the people of New Jersey have a chance to guarantee their
right to repair their equipment—like tractors, farm equipment, digital
equipment, and even cell phones.

It's yours. You own it. You shouldn't have to beg the manufacturer
for permission to fix it when it breaks. New Jersey's upcoming Fair Repair Act, A4934 is simple.
It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent repair
businesses with fair access to service information and affordable replacement
parts. So you can fix the stuff you own quickly—and get on with your life.

But manufacturers like John Deere and Apple don't like that idea. When your tractor breaks or
your cell phone stops working, they want to be the only people who can
fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want for parts and
service.

It's time to fight for your right to repair and defend local repair
jobs—the corner mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed
out. Find out who represents you in the New Jersey legislature. Tell
them you support the Fair Repair Act, A4934.
Tell them that you believe repair should be fair, affordable, and
accessible. Stand up for the right to repair in New Jersey.